By Lesley Castillo, Vet Tech

This kestrel was found underneath some tools in a large puddle of oil and the bird was completely saturated. He was quickly brought to Big Bear Alpine Zoo by the man who found him. Washing the kestrel clean was a lengthy process.

Birds can easily become stressed while being handled and restrained and caution must be taken to avoid too much stress. We took our time and our efforts paid off. Within a couple of weeks, we had a clean, healthy, strong kestrel. He was released back into the wild, with one heck of an experience to share with the other birds!!!